A well-maintained vinyl playset can add years of outdoor fun to your home. It also helps increase your property value. A clean vinyl playset looks like new and requires little upkeep. The vinyl coating protects the wood from rot, splinters, and sun exposure.
A simple power washing with a mild cleaner will do the trick. A product called Wet & Forget works great to remove moss, green stays, and other types of dirt from vinyl.
Clean the Set
One of the first things you’ll want to do is remove any accumulated debris on the equipment. This includes dead leaves, branches, twigs, and anything that could be a tripping or falling hazard.
Next, you’ll want to clean vinyl playsets using a bucket of water and dish soap solution. Dip a soft-bristled brush in the bucket and scrub down the entire surface of the playset, paying special attention to germ-ridden hotspots. Rinse and re-dip the brush as needed to keep your cleaning solution fresh.
Inspect the Set
A playset is a serious investment, so you must check for any damage before buying new parts or restoring your existing equipment. This is especially true if you want your kids to continue enjoying playground equipment for their childhood.
To determine if your vinyl playset needs a revamp, examine each component of the structure. Feel the deck for splinters (cheap sets often use rough and painted wood that can cause splinters). Touch the posts and rails to see if they are deteriorating or if any components need re-sinking.
You should also ensure a safe surface underneath the playground equipment within 6 feet of it. Most serious injuries on playground equipment occur when kids fall on hard surfaces. Covering the area with rubber, sand, or mulch can help prevent these injuries.
Repair or Replace Damaged Parts
If your playset has been damaged in any way, it is important to repair or replace it as soon as possible. This will help to ensure your kids’ safety and protect the value of your home.
Depending on the damage, you can restore vinyl using a special repair adhesive or patch kit. You can also use a small amount of benzoyl peroxide acne cream or multi-purpose cleaner on vinyl toys to remove marker residue or ink.
Another common problem that occurs with vinyl playsets is wood rot. The vinyl coating is durable and lasts for decades, but moisture can get into the wood underneath and cause rot. To prevent this, inspecting the structure regularly for signs of rot and loose hardware is important. If you notice that any screws or bolts have become loose, they should be tightened as safely as possible. This includes swing hangers, tire swivels, eye bolts, and spring clips.
Repaint
Unlike wood playsets, vinyl playsets do not require regular staining. However, chips in the vinyl can occur due to normal use and will need to be repaired. You can repaint the area using water-resistant paint or stain if this happens.
Clean your vinyl playset with warm water and a few tablespoons of natural surface cleaner/dish liquid if you do not have a power washer. Scrub the vinyl surface, then rinse with a garden hose.
